2016 Buyer's Guide: Best Plus-Size Mountain Bikes

Already one of the most highly-regarded trail bikes on the market, the Ibis Mojo HD3 got a literal boost in early March when the California bike maker announced the release of a new rear swingarm that was both Boost and plus-size tire compatible. By embracing the wider axle standard, wheel stiffness is increased due to an increase in spoke bracing angle. This also opens up frame clearance, providing room for up to 2.8” tires that avail traction heretofore reserved for tanks and monster trucks. Suspension is 150mm in the rear, 160mm up front, meaning this bike can handle just about anything you throw at it.

While many manufacturers have only dipped their toes into the plus arena, Scott went all in, launching eight different wide-wheeled bikes for 2016. Tops on that marquee is the Genius 700 Tuned Plus, which boasts a lightweight carbon front triangle and 130mm of rear travel paired with a 140mm Fox 34 fork that conspire to make this bike truly rock garden-ready. High-zoot spec includes best-in-class Shimano XTR brakes, a RockShox Reverb dropper post, and SRAM’s crisp-operating X01 1x11 drivetrain. Perhaps most noteworthy, though, is the three-mode TwinLoc handlebar remote that allows the rider to switch suspension character on the fly. Choose full open for descents, lock out for smooth climbs, or traction mode where the fork stays open, but rear end travel is reduced to a more stable 90mm.

Trek bucks the “plus” trend, opting for 29er wheels rather than the more common 27.5-plus. The rationale is simple: You get the supreme traction and grip of 3.0” tires — and the big-rig rollover of the larger wheel size. The Stache also utilizes a unique frame configuration that keeps chainstays short and thus the bike’s mannerisms playful. Boost hub spacing in the rear increases wheel stiffness, a 110mm Manitou Magnum 34 Pro fork helps soak up the rough stuff, and Shimano XT brakes deliver on-a-dime stopping power. Five frame sizes increase the chance of a proper fit.

Utilizing what the company calls a Swinger drop out system that allows the user to alter chainstay length and bottom bracket height, Pivot’s LES Fat is an all-season weapon that can accommodate 26x4.8-inch fat bike tires in winter, then switch over to 27.5-plus or 29+ wheel/tire set-ups come the warmer riding months. The frame also has a pair of swappable lower headset cups, so proper geometry (and handling) is maintained when transitioning between tire and wheel sizes. The bike comes spec’d with a rigid carbon fork, but the 150mm dropout spacing means it will play nice with RockShox’s Bluto fat bike suspension fork, too.

UK-based Charge offers a complete line of plus-size bikes, ranging from a basic $1,100 singlespeed to this titanium beauty with a simple and efficient SRAM X1 single chainring drivetrain. Tubeless-ready wheels wrapped with 2.8” tires allow you to run lower pressure, meaning gobs of grip whether climbing, descending, or railing tight turns. Other highlights include SRAM’s well regarded Guide-R hydraulic disc brakes and a RockShox Reba suspension fork. A steep-ish 70-degree headtube angle gives this bike some serious climbing chops, while the 435mm chainstays let you playfully whip it around when descending.

You’ll be well-equipped for your next trip deep into the hinterland with the Jamis Dragonslayer. This adventure-mobile has rear carrier rack eyelets and mounts for three water bottle cages, allowing you to carry plenty of survival gear. WTB Scraper 50mm wheels are encased with Vittoria’s popular 3.0” Bomboloni tires for max traction. Shimano’s mid-level SLX 2x10 drivetrain helps keep price in check — and assures you can spin up steep climbs even when the bike is loaded down. The smooth-riding steel frame and 120mm Fox 34 suspension fork stifle trail sting.

Able to carry everything you need with rear rack eyelets and lots of bottle mounts

2x10 drivetrain helps keep price in check and climbs manageable

Steel frame with 120mm front suspension fork

Norco Torrent 7.1

Canadian brand Norco calls its take on 27.5+ an aggressive hardtail with quick, but stable manners. Or put another way, this bike is a whole lot of fun. Headtube angle is a slack 67 degrees, while the cockpit will please enduro-lovers with its 780mm wide bars and stubby 55mm stem. Shifting comes courtesy of a budget-friendly SRAM GX 1x11 drivetrain. Avid hydraulic brakes handle stopping duties. And 45mm WTB Scraper wheels with Schwalbe Nobby Nic 27.5x2.9 tires deliver Velcro-like traction. Indeed, the Torrent is ready to flow wherever you go.

There’s a strong argument that mountain biking newcomers are the target market for plus-size hardtails. Their stable, slack frame geometry and endless traction make them true confidence enhancers. That’s in part why Spanish bike maker Orbea’s three models of wide wheelers all cost less than $3,000. But don’t mistake affordable for tame. With an 120mm Fox 32 suspension fork, reliable Shimano drivetrain and brakes, and 3.0” Maxxis Chronicle tires, the Orbea Loki 27+ H10 is plenty of bike for more aggressive riders, too.

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